About

Central Utah Food Sharing – A Grassroots Tradition of Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Utah has long been known for neighbors helping neighbors in times of need. That spirit of service inspired Reverend Jeff Porter and a group of concerned community members in Richfield to come together in 1987 to address a growing problem in central Utah—too many individuals and families were struggling to put food on the table. From those conversations, Central Utah Food Sharing (CUFS) was born.

What began as a grassroots effort driven by compassion has grown into a regional food bank dedicated to ensuring that no one in our communities has to face hunger alone. While the mission has remained the same, the work continues every day to secure the funding, food, volunteers, and partnerships necessary to meet the increasing needs of the families we serve.

One of the first organizations to support this vision was the Six County Association of Governments, which provided initial funding and encouraged the development of a regional food distribution system. Although the organization originally served six counties, Central Utah Food Sharing now proudly serves five rural counties throughout central Utah: Sevier, Juab, Millard, Wayne, and Piute Counties.

The first CUFS pantry opened in Richfield shortly after the organization was established. As community support grew, additional pantries were established in 1988, expanding services into Delta and Fillmore (Millard County), Bicknell and Hanksville (Wayne County), Junction (Piute County), and eventually Nephi (Juab County). Staffed primarily by dedicated volunteers, these local pantries quickly became a lifeline for families facing difficult times and remain an essential part of our mission today.

As the organization continued to grow, Central Utah Food Sharing strengthened its partnerships across the state. In 2001, CUFS became an official partner agency of the Utah Food Bank after meeting its partnership requirements. Weekly food deliveries from the Utah Food Bank significantly expanded our ability to provide nutritious food to individuals and families throughout central Utah and remain an important part of our operations today.

Over the years, Central Utah Food Sharing has expanded far beyond emergency food assistance. Today, the organization provides grocery rescue programs that recover fresh food from local retailers, home delivery services for seniors and homebound individuals, mobile pantry distributions, referrals to community resources, nutrition education, cooking classes, self-sufficiency initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships that strengthen the health and resilience of our rural communities.

As food insecurity continues to affect many working families, seniors, veterans, and individuals living in rural communities, the need for Central Utah Food Sharing continues to grow. Rising food costs, transportation barriers, and economic uncertainty have increased demand while creating ongoing challenges in securing sufficient food and financial resources. Through generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and strong community partnerships, CUFS remains committed to ensuring that every neighbor has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to build a more stable future.

Central Utah Food Sharing is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is authorized to receive tax-deductible contributions through the Internal Revenue Service. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders dedicated to strengthening our communities and helping our neighbors thrive.

Board of Directors

• LeighAnn Wheeler – Chair

• Mike Riddle – Vice Chair

• Teresa Mason

• Michele Jolley

• Gayle Cason

• Sara Harcourt

• Rosalee Riddle

• Greg Jensen

• Natalie Jacobsen

Today, Central Utah Food Sharing continues the vision that began in 1987: neighbors helping neighbors. By working alongside volunteers, donors, businesses, faith organizations, and community partners, we are building relationships, strengthening families, and creating self-sufficiency throughout central Utah—one meal, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.